“For you, O God, have tested us;
you have tried us as silver is tried.
You brought us into the net;
you laid a crushing burden on our backs;
you let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.”
Psalm 66:10-12
Abundance is coming. Abundance is where this road leads to.
Whatever your situation is, however dark or unexpected it may be, however uncertain your path, this is God’s aim.
Abundance. Beyond anything you can imagine.
Only He knows what that looks like for you. For your most abundant life and fullest joy. Only He knows what that is, and only He knows how to get you there.
And He will get you there.
It just isn’t an easy road…because growth doesn’t happen when it’s easy. Not to the extent of our potential growth through difficulty and fight.
We are tested. We are tried as refining silver. We feel caught and struggle to break free. We are weighed down to where we feel we cannot stand. We feel trampled. We go through fire. We go through water.
But we do not go alone (Isaiah 43:2).
And we do not go without purpose.
The abundance set before us is worth it. God would not take us through it otherwise. Trials are always only as necessary, perfecting and purifying our faith (1 Peter 1:7). Because this foundation, the steadfast faith in our God who is mighty and faithful and wise and who will never fail us, directs us to a life that is free and full and beautiful. Because our God Himself makes us free and whole and beautiful.
Hold fast, believer, if you are in a season of testing and faith-purifying. Hold fast to Christ, lifting your drooping hands in a sacrifice of praise, strengthening your weak knees, making straight paths for your feet so the Lord can come unhindered in shining glory and do His work (Hebrews 12:12-13). It is a season that will prove even more clearly to you who your God is and what He is able to do. You are not alone here. He will come through for you and will accomplish every purpose He has in this trial. His faithfulness does not waver, His power cannot be matched, and He will never leave you on your own.
“Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you.
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…
You shall seek those who contend with you,
but you shall not find them,
those who war against you
shall be as nothing at all.
For I, the LORD your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.’”
Isaiah 41:10,12-13
In Pleasant Places 